The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1887-11-04
THE DOCTORS PERIL.

promised to be succeeded by fitting
night Tie sky was overcast and the
wind blew in fitful gusts. Down in the
village, a few lights began to glow in
the gray gloom. With a little shiver,
Alice dropped the curtain. II hope
John won't be called out tonight We
haven't him single evening for our
own, have we, babyT' bending over the
cradle.
Baby opened his eyes and coocd, ex-
tending his dimpled hands, and Alice
bent to lift him just as she heard step
which set her heart beating, as in the
days when John Stanley was Alice Dun
bars lover He burst into the room
with q checrishness and ease engendered
by the comforting conviction that in his
own castle he could shake off the sub
dued professional manner, which was
sometimes a little CALLING.
well, Alice, why don't you scold me
for keeping you waiting?" kissing mother
and baby and throwing himself into the
easy chair.
You have kept us very long, John,
but we have consoled ourselves by
thinking we shall have you all the even
ing"
Il hope so,"-heartily. Its going
% be very bad night, and it can't be
any one will be ill-natured enough to
send for the doctor 1t is hard, birdie,
to have so lonesome an cyrie for you.
When I remember how I coaxed you
from your uncle's to this Western hovel,
Alice had been putting supper upon
the table, but at this she dropped the
dishes and flew at him.
you bad, wicked boy" she said,
shaking him and covering his face with
kisses, 'if ever you utter such treason
again, l shall punish you dreadfully Oh,
John, when l think of the old days at
my uncle's when my heart was chilled
by cOldnes5 and neglect, l am wicked
enough to thank God because my uncle
betrayed his trust and fled; for but for
that you never would have told me you
loved me. John, dear, when think of
my happiness as your wife, l almost
tremble lest something come to mar it -
''Forgive me, Alice, but it was for
your sake l regretted the loss of the
Injuries you must miss"
LAS if I ever had any luxury that
compared to precious, sweet boy, -
snatching him away and ending the dis
cussion.
Supper over DR.. Stanley ensconced
himself in the great crimson armchair
and enthroned his son upon his knee,
while Alice dropped the red curtains
after one shivcring glance at the bleak
night, then, bringing her sewing, pre-
pared to hear all the doctor had gathered
up in his days tour around the three
villages. \ great sigh of content weled
from Dr. Stanley's heart as he cOntem-
plated the cosy room, his wifc's fair
face, and the smiling little one on his
knee ''No crowned king ever enjoyed
greater happiness than is compassed Icy
lie was deep in a funny story, when a
sharp knock checked the laugh on
Alice's lips, and her eyes grew anxious
as the little maid entered with the al
ways dreaded yellow envelope. DR..
Stanley tore it open quickly and read:
Come at once Bad smashup.
DENIsON."
He placed the boy in the cradle, and
quietly began his preparations. Alice
was silent: she knew it was useless tC
attempt to dissuade her husband from
doing what he deemed his duty nor was
she woman to do it, yet there was ;
sharp pain at her heart which impelled
her to say as he tcnderly kissed the child
1T will be dreadful going to Lorimel
tonight, John"
.Oh, can stand it. 1 will be back
as soon as possible And now, good-by
Alice"
As he flung open the door, violent
cust of wind blew the snow into thei1
faces.
''On, JOun, CIlcCI Ills Vic, III unCOu
trolable agitation, ''don't go! feel as
though something terrible were menac
ing YOU cannot let you go, cannot "
"Alicc," he said, almost sternly, 81
never knew you to give way to this non
sense before. Would you not despise M
were l selishly to consult my own east
when these poor unfOrtunates need my
aid! Go in, that's a good girl; nothing
is wrong but your nerves"
A hurried embrace and he was gone
Alice barred the door and returned tt
the sitting room, summoning her hand
maiden for company, but Patty's pres
ence proved small comfort, for after tn
most commendable endeavors to appea
wide awake, she tumblcd ignominiousi.
on the floor
''Never minI Patty, it is near II
time we were all asleep"